Super Easy Quilting for Beginners (New Shoe Press)

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Super Easy Quilting for Beginners is a new beginner quilting tutorial and pattern guide edited by Quarry. First released in 2011 as Quilting 101, this reformat and re-release from Quarto on their New Shoe Press imprint is due out 2nd Aug 2022. It's 160 pages and will be available in paperback format.

I liked the layout of this book. Information is presented directly in easy to understand language and the format makes it easy to find info. This is a very basic beginner manual. The introduction includes general instructions for machine usage, tools & supplies, fabric & batting choice, rotary tools & how to use them safely, and everything else readers would need to get started with quilting safely and with a minimum of frustration.

The second two thirds of the book contains the project tutorials and patterns. Each of the projects contains one or more good technique lessons such as piecing, applique, quilt as you go, and paper piecing. The projects are well designed and attractive. Many of them would make lovely gifts and bazaar/donation items for charitable use. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout and the photos are clear and in color. Some few of the color choices are a bit retro (the book was originally from 2011), but a change in fabrics will make them more modern, or left as is for a more classic look.

The pattern templates are included. Tutorials include a tools & supplies list with required fabrics in a bullet list in a highlighted text box, followed by step by step instructions. Required materials are listed with both imperial (American) and metric measurements (yay!). The photos are clear and in color, without hands or tools obscuring construction details. The book also includes a glossary and abbreviated index. There is no supplies links or list, but the necessary materials will be easily available at any big box store, fabric store, or online.

This is a nice addition to the quilter's library and especially for those of us who have generous stash baskets, will provide a very satisfying way to use up some of those scraps. It would also make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, makers' spaces, church auxiliary and the like.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.